we didn't have a deficit and debt crisis the way we do right now. let's be fair about the facts. we are in a debt crisis. however, when something like this happens, it's an exception to the rule. these people are hurting. they need the help of the federal government, and that's what we're going to deliver today. the bottom line is we're going to move forward and get this done. >> you know, i have been blessed to get to know some of the really good people up in your borough like teddy atlas and your borough president. they're doing great work. tell us how bad it is. we're looking at pictures of the people under water during the flood. have just been devastated. i saw some of that stuff on your own island of staten island a couple weeks ago, it was really rough. >> it's horrendous. this is a war zone. let me be clear, don't forget about -- you see homes crushed. you see people's personal belongings wiped out to sea, but there's also emotional scars that you cannot see. just this past weekend i had a mother tell me her children are deathly afraid when it rains because they think the